Summer

Well, it’s almost the longest day of the year. Somehow I can actually feel it in my bones. Since I get up to walk Beau for sunrise every day I have an intimate feeling for the seasons. This time of year is filled with activity and life from every being and plant, and it’s so evident when you’re out in it. When the sun rises it’s like a symphony playing everywhere you look. There are birds flitting and bees buzzing and lizards scurrying and deer pogo-sticking. It’s just amazing! And the energy in the sky with rain and sunshine and dew is just electric. The sun comes up here at 5:35, so I’m out by 4:45 with Beau to try and catch the beauty of the light as it progresses. It’s hard to express how it feels to be so in-touch with the earth on these summer mornings. It almost feels chaotic, and yet it is intoxicating. So I’ll be playing summer songs on my Wednesday online show this week to celebrate the summer solstice. The ancients could feel it too, and I encourage you to get out and experience it. 

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, but one had to reschedule due to water problems. They should have it fixed by now. The others were so enjoyable. I say it every week, but it is a privilege to play for and encourage these folks. 

My Wednesday online show was the music of Ricky Nelson and the Everly Brothers, and it was really a fun show. I don’t know why I didn’t do their music sooner. Everyone was reminiscing and having a good time. 

Thursday was the first night of the Yellow Pine barbecue, and it was like old-home week with all the friends and familiar faces. I love playing for these people!

Saturday was playing at the Pueblo Riverwalk, and it was a perfect evening. Many of my in-person regular friends and fans were there as well as some new faces. It was pretty magical.

Sunday was my online show, and it was a mixture of songs for Father’s Day and requests. I played the 12-string guitar almost the entire evening and I think I am finally comfortable with its cathedral-like sound and touch.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 12 senior facilities this week, and I know I’ll enjoy every one. I do have some friends come out to see me at these homes, and most of them are comfortable with visitors if you ever want to come too.

Wednesday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be summer songs as I mentioned above. There are so many wonderful songs that embody summer. Please come by and help me celebrate the solstice. 

Thursday 6:30-8 I’ll be playing for the Yellow Pine barbecue once again. The food is as tasty as ever, and they have new tables this year, so it’s much more comfortable and inviting. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528. 

Saturday 7-9 I’m playing a concert at the Francisco for the Performing Arts in La Veta, Colorado. This beautiful old theater is a really cool place to do a show, and I’m honored they asked me to be part of their summer series. Tickets are $20 in person or $21 online. Visit lavetatheaterweb.org for more information. I’d love to play for you there. 

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time is favorites and requests as always. Every one of these shows is unique and familiar at the same time with our wonderful group of friends and fans. Come on out and make some requests and join in the fun.

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That’s it again for this week. I hope your summer is going well and that you have a chance to stop and enjoy it.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of summer songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, June 21, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528

When:  Thursday, June 22, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where: Francisco Center for the Performing Arts, La Veta. 678-698-4666

When:  Saturday, June 24, 7-9

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, June 25, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Listening to Music

This Wednesday my online show will be the music of Ricky Nelson and the Everly Brothers, and it has me thinking of when I really started trying to collect and listen to the music I love. When I was first out of college and on my own around 1984 I started really paying attention to older music that I liked as I heard it in different places. When CDs came out about that time it gave me the opportunity to collect  all the music I wanted to have in my own home. (Who knew It would all be available to freely listen to online one day?!)  I’ve gone through periods of intense seeking for the music of different artists. This included many people including Nat King Cole and Hank Williams. It also included Ricky Nelson and the Everly Brothers, especially when the radio station that we listened to at work when I lived for a short time in Dallas played a lot of '50s music. The music was so clean and fun with a certain power and sincerity that I was really attracted to. This is partly because both had some of the best sound recording available - the Everly Brothers with Chet Atkins in Nashville, and Ricky Nelson with Bunny Robyn and Jimmie Haskell in Hollywood. So I listened to these artists and a lot of others over and over, and I really fell in love with their music. This Wednesday I’ll do a bunch of their songs. It should make for a fun start to the summer. 

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What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all. The folks are always so appreciative, and even though it takes a lot of energy to fill them up, it’s worth it!

My Wednesday online show was doing traveling songs, and it was full of great songs and good interactions. I think everyone enjoyed it. 

My Sunday online was favorites and requests as always, and there were some good ones. I never cease to be amazed by the wonderful requests and genuine caring of this group of fine folks. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I’m sure they will all be very sweet. One of them is brand new to me,  and I’m really looking forward to meeting the folks and bringing some music to them. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the music of Ricky Nelson and the Everly Brothers as I mentioned above. this should be a really fun show, so come on out and join in!

Thursday night 6:30-8:00 I start the season at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch playing for the barbecue. This is always a really enjoyable evening of music, food, and friends, and I’d love to have you there if you’re in the area. It’s held in the old historic barn at the ranch, and the barbecue is always good, the atmosphere special, and my music as the backdrop. What else could you ask for? Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528. 

Saturday night 7:00-8:30 I’m playing at the Pueblo Riverwalk on the Flood Wall Stage by the boathouse for their summer concert series. I played at this location once before, and the acoustics are great, and the Riverwalk has such a nice presence that I know you’d enjoy it. Come on down if you’re in the Pueblo area. 

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and since it’s Father’s Day I’m sure I’ll play a few songs for dads. It should be a nice evening, and I appreciate so much the folks who make this an evening to always remember. 

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That’s it for this week. Next week I’ll have the Yellow Pine barbecue plus a concert in La Veta at the Francisco Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday plus my online shows. The summer is starting out very well!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of traveling songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, June 14, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528

When:  Thursday, June 15, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where:  Flood Wall Stage at the Pueblo Riverwalk, Pueblo.

When:  Saturday, June 17, 7-8:30

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, June 18, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Relevance

My trip last week and a few other things like meeting new people and reading about cultural changes and AI have made me think about relevance lately - relevance of my life and where relevance fits into our general conversation these days. It’s a big topic, and I only want to say a couple things. We tend to see the world through what we read and the overall consensus of people we meet and interact with. Having the latest things and being in touch with the latest trends would seem to be important. I can see this sometimes in my life, but I also see life through a simpler lens. When I worry that I may be becoming irrelevant with my music and my approach to life, I stop and think again. I was talking to the driver of the car that I rode in from the airport to and fro in Atlanta, and we had an interesting conversation. Although she is from Africa and has lived a life that is different than mine, we both agreed that the most important things in life are that we care for others and that we try to live a good and honest life. We didn’t talk about religion or culture or politics. We did talk a little about the pandemic and how it opened our eyes to what really matters. At the end of the day it is the people and relationships that fulfill us. The trends and the things with which we weigh our relevance just don’t count for much if we don’t love and care for our situation and the people in it. So relevance is not worth worrying about. If you approach life that way, you are more relevant than the most in-tune person in the world.

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What have I been up to?

I only had 3 senior facilities last week because of my trip, but I enjoyed them all! It is an honor to play for them.

My Wednesday performance playing for the national Boy Scout meeting in Atlanta was wonderful. I met so many nice folks and had such a great time. Big thanks to Dan Ownby and everyone who put together such a stellar event. My plane flights were not so wonderful though. I need to find something I can do or take to not feel so awful physically when I fly. I just feel like I’m drunk for the rest of the day - woozy, dizzy, hot. Maybe I need to drive from now on.

My Sunday online show of favorites and requests was great fun too although I worked on our property all afternoon Saturday and all day Sunday up until my show, so I didn’t have as much time to prepare as I usually like. Sometimes you just have to get things done though.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and I know they will all be rewarding. A couple of them are back to wearing masks with COVID and other viruses, but it’s a small price to pay wearing a mask to protect everyone.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be traveling songs to reflect my trip last week and also folks starting to travel on vacation. It should be a really fun show, and I’d love to have you in the audience.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. These nights always end up being really special, and it’s the people and the music that make it, so come on out and enjoy.

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That’s it for this week. Next week the summer really picks up with the start of the Yellow Pine barbecue on Thursday nights and also a performance at the Pueblo Riverwalk on Saturday. Here we go!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of traveling songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, June 7, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, June 11, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Traveling

I’m doing some traveling this week in a way that I haven’t done in many years. I’ll be flying to Atlanta on Tuesday to play for the annual meeting of the Boy Scouts of America on Wednesday night. This is an extension of my continuing connection to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico where I worked summers in high school and college and have played many concerts. My friend Rod Taylor was on staff at Philmont for many years and used to play for these events but he has retired, and it has fallen to me now as an old-timer Philmont musician to spread some music and good memories of a place I’ve always loved. I don’t fly well - especially with a guitar in-tow, but I think this will be a good experience all around. It’s putting a little adventure in my life that I’ve lacked since before COVID hit. I’ve always loved to travel, and although getting off a plane leaves me wondering which way is north as I drop out of the sky, I usually can acclimate pretty quickly. A little dramamine helps that, of course. You sometimes have to charm the gate folks to let you carry the guitar on the plane, but it’s much safer than checking it in the cargo area and risking that it gets damaged or doesn’t end up on your connecting flight. I do have someone who has a guitar I can use in Atlanta if something happens to mine. But besides all that, it will be fun to meet new folks and see a little bit of the country and a city that I’ve only driven through before. I’m sure you love to travel too, and that you might have some reticence about flying and figuring out travel arrangements. So wish me luck, and wave to me as I fly over!

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What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities last week, and one of them even had a little COVID outbreak so that we had to wear masks again. I think that this is our new normal. I sure enjoy seeing and playing for the folks, and a little inconvenience is worth it to keep them safe and show them a little love through music.

My Wednesday online show was part two of songs of 50 years ago from 1973. It was so much fun! The memories and stores just flowed out of everyone there.

Sunday I played an outdoor concert in La Veta, CO, at La Veta Pines RV Park. It was so well-attended, and although it got a little chilly by the end of the show, I think everyone enjoyed my stories and a little look at some of the new songs I’ve been writing and learning as well as a look back at some old favorites.

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What am I up to this week?

I have only 3 senior facilities this week since I’ll be traveling on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, but I’m looking forward to those 3 facilities. I’ll carry the traveling energy to them!

Wednesday I’ll be playing for the BSA meeting I mentioned above. They have me playing several favorites with even a little sing-along. It should be great fun.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites as requests as usual. I enjoy these shows so much, and after a week off from them I think it will be a nice reunion with the Munch Bunch folks. Come on out if you can!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you had a great Memorial Day, and I’m still thinking about the shootings in Red River, NM, that are so close to where I like to spend some time. It was a sad occasion on a holiday weekend.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, June 4, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Season Starts

I don’t know how it happened, but it’s already almost Memorial Day. That means the summer season is kicking off for most folks this weekend. It is for me too. I used to get so excited planning and engaging with so many summer gigs. I’m still excited, but COVID shut down a lot of the gigs and planning, and I haven’t pursued as much and have been happy with more online gigs. But the open road and the great outdoors still beckon, and I love seeing the summer folks and getting to play in the mountains and in the wide open more. I always write about the summer season because it holds a mythology for me. I have had so many wonderful opportunities to travel and play in great places with sweet people to meet and talk with. I have to pinch myself when I think of these times, and those memories and new possibilities enchant me when this time comes each year. I only have a few things set up this year as compared to years gone by, but I will savor every one. This week, for instance, I’ll be playing at La Veta Pines at their sweet little stage outdoors on Sunday evening instead of my usual online show. It’ll be great to see the La Veta folks again! So the summer is hitting the accelerator. Here we go!

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What have I been up to?

I had 13 senior facilities last week, and they were all so enjoyable and fulfilling. I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was doing songs from 50 years ago (1973), and it was so fun that we’re going to do some more this week. This was just a great year for the kind of music that I love and love to play.

My Sunday online favorites and requests show was very well-attended, and we had some great requests! This must be about the best audience anyone could hope for.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and they should all be stellar. It’s a privilege to play for them.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be part two of songs from 50 years ago in 1973 as I wrote above. I’m really looking forward to playing so many songs we didn’t get to last week! Come on out if you can.

Sunday 7-9 I will playing at the La Veta Pines RV Park in La Veta, Colorado. I haven’t played at the park since it’s been under new owners, and I know it will be a wonderful night! Please come if you’re in the area. It’s a free concert. You need to bring a chair, a jacket, your ears, and a beverage of your choice. It’ll be fun!

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That’s it for the week. Next week is a biggie for me as I have been hired by the Boy Scouts of America to play for their big event in Atlanta, GA, on Wednesday. Wish me luck traveling and playing Philmont and mountain songs for them. Be good and I hope to see you soon.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1973 songs (part two)

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, May 22, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an outdoor concert - BYO chair and jacket

Where:  La Veta Pines RV Park 226 W. Grand Avenue, La Veta. 719-742-3252

When:  Sunday, May 28, 7-9 pm

To the Mountains

This is the weekend that my siblings and I open our old cabins in the mountains for the summer. This entails cleaning, getting water turned on, fixing whatever’s broken, and uncovering chimneys and windows so family can come to stay for a bit. It’s always hard work, but it’s also a time of renewal and getting away to the mountains to see how the winter treated the trees and meadows. We get to see siblings and reminisce a bit and enjoy each other’s company. My grand folks bought a little bit of land almost a hundred years ago, and it has been a sanctuary of sorts ever since. I wrote some of my early songs there, and it has always been the place I yearn to return to. It’s too early to be warm there, and the meadows will be boggy with lots of elk tracks and scat, but it will have a peaceful beauty that I have enjoyed since my boyhood. After finding out last week that I have a wee bit of prostate cancer, I’m really looking forward to it. No worries about the cancer. It’s slow-growing, and I’m sure it can be dealt with without too much angst and procedure. Life is good and I get to see the mountains again. Hopefully I’ll get to take at least one short hike, and I’ll post some great pictures!

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and they all went very well. I always say how much these mean to me, and I’m serious - it does as much for me as it does for them.

My Wednesday online show was a tribute to Gordon Lightfoot who recently passed, and it was so fun to do a deep dive on his music. He was a remarkable songwriter and performer. Everyone loved it.

Saturday I did an online concert for Philmont friends that was also a great time. We’re all thinking about years gone by when we were heading out to the mountains to work a summer job at Philmont in bygone days, and it’s wonderful to spend time together reminiscing and singing old songs.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and it was a sweet time although we were missing a couple regulars. This is such a warm group of folks who come out to form this listening and sharing community.

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What am I up to his week?

I have 13 senior facilities this week which is many more than I usually have. This is National Nursing Home Week, and so everyone is doing special events for their residents, and I’m happy to be a part of it.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 50 years ago in 1973, and this was a fine year for music. There were lots of favorite tunes that will make this a show to not miss if you liked the tunes of the early ‘70s. Come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will favorites and requests as always. I never know quite what these shows will be, and I’m never disappointed in the great requests and enthusiasm that everyone brings to the show. I’d love to have you in the audience if you’re up for it.

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That’s it for this week. In two weeks I’ll have a special event in La Veta at La Veta Pines RV Park instead of my regular Sunday online show, and then I’ll be off to Atlanta to perform the following Wednesday for a National Boy Scout event. It should be fun!

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1973 songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, May 15, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, May 21, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Words

I’m doing a show in tribute to Gordon Lightfoot Wednesday, and that has me thinking about songwriting, writing in general, and more specifically, how we use words. I’m fascinated by those who can use words well to express ideas and feelings. I’m fortunate that I had teachers who stressed how important it is to be able to write and speak well. I’ve lost some of my ability to do this, but I still love to read and explore ideas in conversation and in writing. Good writing comes from deep thought and understanding and the ability to turn things over in our minds until we can use vocabulary to express the nuances and facets of an idea or concept. Of course, this extends to songwriting where you also combine melody, chord progression, rhyme, meter, rhythm, and syncopation with the words to convey an idea or feeling. It’s amazing stuff, and it’s amazing to be able to harness it and create a song. That’s why we revere great writers and also great songwriters. I encourage you to fill your life with great writing and to practice your own writing when you can in your correspondence and everyday communication. It only takes another second to throw in a creative word, idea or phrase, and it adds so much to life.

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What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all, especially the new one in Monument, Colorado, where I’ll be playing monthly. They were such nice and appreciative folks. All my folks are so genuine and congenial!

My Wednesday online show about pets was great fun with lots of songs about our best friends. I feel like dogs were over-represented, but that just reflects our love affair with them in our culture. Here’s to our kitties, birds, fish, and what-have-you too!

My Sunday online show doing favorites and requests was also wonderful as always. We have such a good group of friends and supporters in our online community, and their care for each other really shines through.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities to play for this week including a wedding at one of them that should be really joyous. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be a tribute to Gordon Lightfoot who passed a week ago. I’ve always enjoyed him and his writing, and this will be a great opportunity to show our appreciation for him. Come on out if you can!

Saturday 7-9 mountain time I’m doing an online show for my Facebook Philmont Concert group to reminisce as the current staff gears up for a great summer and us old staffers prepare for the 50th reunion/homecoming in July. If you’re a member of that group then please join in!

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I’m always astounded and thankful for the great turnout I get for these Sunday evening shows. You’re always welcome to tune in and join in!

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That’s it for now. I so enjoy writing to you and getting a chance to express myself and connect through writing. I hope you enjoy it too! Also a very Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Gordon Lightfoot songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, May 10, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Philmont songs

Where: facebook.com/groups/1176893032692370/ and tommunch.com/online-concerts

When:  Saturday, May 13, 7-9 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, May 14, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Pets

I’m thinking today of the little beings who live with us and are part of our families - pets. I imagine you might have a pet now or have had one or many in your life. In my life I’ve had cats, dogs, a ferret, Guinea pigs, and fish. They add so much to our lives in such a selfless way. We share a bond with them that is somehow deeper and more interesting than human friendships because they depend on us and can’t talk to us. As a child they often are the first to teach us about caring, respect, and loyalty. Of course they can also contribute to allergies and asthma, but they can also help build our immunity. Most pets live much shorter lives than we do, and so they also teach us about grief and aging, but this also lets us love more of them in our relatively longer lives (as a friend once told me). So Wednesday I’ll sing songs about the animals who share our lives as our pets. Here’s to them!

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and they were all so wonderful. I can’t say enough how much I love offering up some encouragement and enjoyment to these folks.

My Wednesday online show was doing ‘60s rock songs, and it was a rollicking good time. I stuck to the really rocking songs for the most part, and some of the audience said they were exhausted by the last song. But it was sure fun!

My Sunday online show was doing favorites and requests from Deann and Matt’s house, and after a nice meal and chatting we had a fine show with several friends in the house as well as a good online crew. There were a few new songs and some old chestnuts. It was very nice.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week including a new one this afternoon in Monument, CO, and I’m looking forward to all of them. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the songs about pets that I wrote about above. This will be a lot of fun, and I am getting some great requests. Come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time is favorites and requests as always, and Sunday nights have just been so cool lately with lots of folks and lots of interaction. You’re always welcome to join in.

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That’s it for this week. Summer is rapidly approaching, and barring any unexpected bumps in the road, I’m expecting a grand time. I hope you are too!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Pet songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, May 3, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, May 7, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Birthdays

My 62nd birthday is this week, and I’m doing my show Sunday from my friend Deann and Matt’s house to celebrate our birthdays (Deann’s is in early May). That has me thinking about birthdays and how we celebrate and about time passing. I don’t usually make a big deal about birthdays. I’ve worked almost all of mine as an adult. I do remember one birthday where the bar where I was playing that night decorated the bar with birthday decorations and a big banner that said “Happy Birthday, Tom!” on it. That would seem to be a nice thing to do, but it kind of backfired in that everybody, drunk or sober, who entered the bar for the whole night made a big todo about it. That got a little old by the end of the night as the crowd got more inebriated. They all wanted to buy me drinks and get me drunk too, and I had learned early on that I don’t play well at all if I drink. But most of my birthdays Jen and I have tried to take a day trip or go to a nice restaurant. We don’t exchange gifts since we saw what expectations and disappointments did to other couples we know. But besides that, what does a birthday really represent? It’s always just been a marker for me that makes me take stock a little bit in my health and accomplishments, and for the most part I don’t feel my age. I don’t think anyone does. My health is relatively good since we work hard at staying in shape and eating right. A little luck and decent genetics don’t hurt either. I guess we really should make more of birthdays - at least in that it’s an excuse to something fun and maybe frivolous. What is life without some goofy enjoyment sometimes? I play for a lot of monthly birthday parties at my senior facilities, and I always tell my residents who don’t really want to be reminded that they’re a year older that it’s just a reason to have a party. So here’s to being a year older, being hopefully a little wiser, and being able to enjoy our lives and a good time.

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What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities this past week, and they were all really enjoyable. Several are still requiring masks although one of them was also a celebration of one of their residents coming out of isolation, and they also announced at the party that the county mask mandate had been lifted. So removing masks was a real cause for celebration. Hopefully they won’t have to go back to masks too soon so they can enjoy a little freedom for a while.

My Wednesday online show was doing a second night of Lying, Cheating, and Leaving songs, and we really had a good time once again. It’s amazing how you can take a dark subject and have fun with it.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and I also debuted a new howling song that I wrote on Saturday. I know you might be wondering why we’re still howling at 8:00 since the pandemic is more-or-less over, but we still do it as a matter of course to try to spread good energy and to be thankful for all we’ve been through. It’s funny how traditions can be so strong and so reassuring.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them. We’re doing Spring songs and starting to do Mother’s Day songs, so there’s lot of joyful stuff to sing and share.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be doing ‘60s rock and roll tunes at the request of one of our group. I really like doing these fun tunes, and I’m sure it’ll be a banner night for good songs and good memories. Come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests done remotely at Deann and Matt’s as I wrote above to celebrate our birthdays. I’m sure we’ll have lots of camaraderie and sweet moments of friendship and song. You’re always welcome!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you can enjoy your birthday whenever it comes this year. It’s so easy to not let ourselves enjoy the simple things of our lives.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of ‘60s Rock songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, April 26, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, April 30, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Real and Artificial

I’m thinking about what is real and what is artificial in our lives with with all the talk of Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT lately. I have to admit that I have had a penchant for what is real throughout my life - preferring glass and wood and metal over plastic and man-made materials even though I marvel at what science and ingenuity have created. I feel the same about sound - I’d rather hear acoustic or even electric instruments over synthesized ones. As I think about whether I will use ChatGPT to come up with song ideas or help me write blogs or promotional materials, I think I’m wanting to create these things out of my own brain although I see the value in using them to spur the creative process. I’ve even thought of using AI image tools to create backgrounds for my videos, but I find I’m better off just using a picture I’ve taken. I’m aware that my phone camera now uses algorithms and AI of-sorts to create a photograph, but if it represents what I saw with my own eyes then I’m still accepting of the photo it generates. I realize it’s possible that in a short time these AI tools will dominate our daily lives, but I’m still enjoying the reliance on my own ideas and brain power for the moment. I know that some of that attitude is due to my age and my slowness to understand some new things in our world. Some of you who know me well may be surprised to hear me say this since I have kind of a techy reputation. I think that most of my attitude comes from a desire to maintain a solid link to everyday life and the realities of a physical existence in my environment. That’s why I walk and sing and marvel at the sky - I want to be completely aware of the tactile experience of being in this world. 

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What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week. Many have had to go back to wearing masks from small COVID outbreaks and other diseases. It’s sure tough on these folks, and there are many singers who won’t perform in a mask, so they don’t have as many folks coming out to entertain them as before the pandemic. It wasn’t easy to sing in a mask at first, but I’ve adjusted now and am fine with or without.

My Wednesday online show doing Lying, Cheating, and Leaving songs was so much fun that we’re going to do it again this week. Yes, there were a few dark and slow songs that brought down the energy, but there were so many that were upbeat and even funny that we didn’t stay down for long. I think it’s kind of the old cathartic model that everyone relates to a song of this type.

My Sunday online show doing Favorites and Requests was also lots of fun with good folks and good songs. This community that my online shows has created has been a blessing to all involved - especially me.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I know they will all be wonderful. It’s so good to see all these good people and share a little music and joy with them.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Lying, Cheating, and Leaving songs again as I said above. There are just too many good songs of this type to not do another show. Come on out and enjoy the camaraderie and tunes.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know it will be a sweet and poignant night. I’d love to have you in the audience if you’re up for it.

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That’s it for this week. I’m still thinking about my topic up top and wondering what life will be like in the coming years. It’s an interesting time to be alive.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Lying, Cheating and Leaving songs 2

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, April 19, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, April 23, 7-8:45 pm mountain time